On Friday (10.10.2025), the German Chancellor called for the fast implementation of the first phase of the peace plan for the Gaza Strip. He announced support for this process and besides signaled the abolition of restrictions on arms exports to Israel.
Israeli "founders, including German citizens, must yet return to their families. The truce must enter into force and stabilise in the coming weeks," said Friedrich Merz on Friday, after the Israeli government accepted the agreement with Hamas on the first phase of the peace plan. It provides, among another things, for the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas within 72 hours of signing the agreement.
Merz besides stressed that the Gaza Strip population must receive humanitarian aid immediately. "If these first crucial steps towards peace are successful, it will be a large achievement. We must then proceed these actions," added the Chancellor.
According to Merza, the agreement requires how to permanently safe and manage the Gaza Strip. The "disarmament and withdrawal of Hamas" must besides be carried out. The German Chancellor reported that he as well as abroad Minister Johann Wadephul remained in close contact with partners on humanitarian aid and reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.
Additional billions for humanitarian aid
Already in the coming days, Germany "will aid to supply medical and intellectual assistance to the released hostages" - announced Merz. In addition, the Berlin Government will immediately allocate EUR 29 million of additional humanitarian aid.
The German government besides intends to organise an global conference with Egypt on the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. "We request to focus on the most urgent needs, specified as the restoration of water and energy supply and medical care," added Merz.
He declared his readiness to join Germany in the Peace Council proposed by U.S. president Donald Trump and announced his support for the improvement process at the Palestinian Authority, so that in the future the Palestinians could manage the Gaza Strip themselves, in accordance with the peace plan.
"In the case of Germany, there is no military participation," stressed Merz in relation to the planned global stabilisation mission to guarantee the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. However, Germany wants to aid make a legal framework for specified presence.
Export of arms to Israel
The Chancellor announced the abolition of restrictions on arms exports to Israel. They were introduced as a consequence of the escalation of Israel's armed actions in the Gaza Strip.
"In the light of developments in the situation on the ground (the German government) will review the practice of granting arms export permits that can be utilized in the Gaza Strip", announced Merz, adding, "The German government follows a clear principle: Germany supports Israel's existence and security. It is the unchanging essence of our relationship."
The Chancellor besides confirmed his government's support for resolving the conflict, which will be based on the concept of 2 states. It opens up the "best prospect" for the future, "in which Israelis and Palestinians will be able to live in lasting peace and security."
U.S. soldiers will safe the truce
Israel's agreement with the extremist Palestinian Hamas was announced on Wednesday night on Thursday (October 8-9), and the next night the Israeli government accepted it. As reported, a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip will enter into force within 24 hours. According to reports of sources akin to Hamas, the withdrawal of the Israeli army from Gaza began on Friday morning.
Hamas hostages are to be released within 72 hours, or by Monday (13.10.). 2 years after the Hamas attack on Israel of 7 October 2023, 47 hostages inactive stay in Hamas' hands, including German citizens. According to Israeli information, 25 hostages are already dead.
On Friday, the White home in Washington, D.C. reported that the U.S. would send 200 troops to the Gaza Strip as part of global stabilisation forces. According to the 2 high-ranking representatives of the U.S. government, which are cited by the agencies, the US military will not be deployed in the Gaza Strip itself.
These soldiers are to form the backbone of a task force in which representatives of the armed forces of Egypt, Qatar, Turkey and possibly the United arabian Emirates. The exact location of these forces has not yet been established. They are to establish a common control centre and integrate another safety forces operating in the Gaza Strip and coordinate activities with Israeli armed forces to avoid clashes.
